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solar panels

We are getting a few upgrades to the van before we set off on the big retirement adventure next year

looking into putting a solar panel and 2 batteries

this may sound daft but the three way fridge will this run via solar or will it be the gas when when we wild camp

TJBi

Posts : 5Join date : 2015-07-27

Subject: Re: solar panels Tue 4 Aug 2015 - 16:41

I guess that, with big enough batteries and an entire array of solar panels, you could consider modifying the wiring so that the fridge will run off the habitation batteries. Even then, you might need to calculate whether you would need to switch to gas operation at night or on a dull day.

Tom

KSH

Posts : 6666Join date : 2012-11-13Age : 57Location : Accrington

Subject: Re: solar panels Tue 4 Aug 2015 - 16:42

Gas

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Thanks Ken i think that the gas sounds the easiest option perhaps we should look at the gas it or gas lo option

Don Quixote.

Posts : 155Join date : 2013-07-08Location : Spain

Subject: Re: solar panels Tue 4 Aug 2015 - 17:25

I have 3 x 110 batteries and 200watts of solar controlled by a MPPT regulator. Been parked up for last 20 days running on batteries without problem. Thats TV, computer, showers etc etc.The fridge runs on gas, however I know a few people who run of batteries feed by solar, but to be honest for all the fridge uses not with it.

TJBi

Posts : 5Join date : 2015-07-27

Subject: Gas vs solar Tue 4 Aug 2015 - 17:29

Refillable gas bottles fully plumbed in with auto-changeover are certainly convenient and economical compared with exchangeables.

Tom

Don Quixote.

Posts : 155Join date : 2013-07-08Location : Spain

Subject: Re: solar panels Tue 4 Aug 2015 - 19:18

Forget to add we had fitted Alugas system. Best thing we did, can fill a bottle for 10 quid or less, but the best thing is when filling up with fuel we can also "top up" the gas...... Perfect.

debbie

Posts : 596Join date : 2013-03-01Age : 67Location : Carlisle

Subject: Re: solar panels Wed 5 Aug 2015 - 6:58

Three way fridges are Absorption fridges and are designed to run on battery, only with the engine running. Compressor fridges are designed to run on electric only, some are mains and battery, and some are just battery, like my own Waeco fridge.

also used these for batteries, down the road from me[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Tugga

Posts : 871Join date : 2012-11-15Age : 25Location : Bedfordshire

Subject: Re: solar panels Sat 8 Aug 2015 - 12:34

We have 2 x 110 amp leisure batteries and a 100W solar panel. All our lights are now LEDs and so is our TV. We seem to spend quite a bit of time in fields and have found that the solar panel keeps our batteries topped up.We also have an 1500W inverter (something else you might like to think about adding), so that I can dry my hair using a 450W travel hairdryer.

We also have a Gaslow system and if you are travelling Europe you will need different connectors for different countries for refilling.